Ethanol Blending
No single case of engine failure on ethanol usage reported, says Puri
This story was originally published at 17:08 IST on 9 August 2025
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MUMBAI – There has not been a single case of engine failure or breakdown reported since E20, or petrol blended with 20% ethanol, became a base fuel 10 months ago, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on the sidelines of the Pioneer Biofuels 360 Summit, according to a release from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Citing Brazil's example, where vehicles have been running on E27 for years without issues, Puri dismissed recent media reports about potential negative impacts of E20. "Some lobbies with vested interests are actively attempting to create confusion and derail India's ethanol revolution. However, such efforts will not succeed," he said. The transition to E20 is already firmly under way, backed by strong policy support, industry readiness, and public acceptance, he added.
India achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol five years ahead of the original 2030 target. "The country will now gradually scale up to E25, E27, and E30 in a phased manner, calibrated manner with the support of BIS standards and fiscal incentives," Puri said.
On flexi-fuel vehicles, Puri said Indian automakers have already rolled out prototypes compatible with E85. The government has held continuous consultations with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers and other vehicle makers to progressively move towards higher ethanol blends, he added.
The ethnol programme has saved INR 1.4 trillion in foreign exchange savings, reduced crude imports by 23.86 million tonnes, and generated INR 1.21 trillion income for farmers. Second-generation ethanol refineries in Panipat and Numaligarh are converting agricultural residues such as paddy stubble and bamboo into ethanol, providing cleaner fuel while boosting farmer incomes.
Puri also highlighted the rapid rise in maize-based ethanol production--from zero in 2021-22 to 42% of total production this year--calling it a transformational shift. On sustainable aviation fuel, he said India will follow a phased adoption plan, with a 1% blending mandate for international flights by 2027, rising to 2% by 2028, and scaling further as supply stabilises. Currently, Indian Oil Corp. Ltd's Panipat refinery produces sustainable aviation fuel from used cooking oil. End
Reported by Afra Abubacker
Edited by Akul Nishant Akhoury
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